Tool tensioning hanger system

ABSTRACT

A tool tensioning hanger system is provided. The system comprises: a top sub sized and shaped to fit into an upper bowl of a tubing head in a well-head; a J-housing connected to a lower end of the top sub, the J-housing having two j-shaped slots that run lengthwise from a bottom end, each slot being 180 degrees from each other; and an inner joint configured to fit into the J-housing, the inner joint having two protruding pins 180 degrees from each other and configured to fit into the J-shaped slots. This system can be lowered through a Blow Out Preventer (BOP) without the need to remove the BOP.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a tool tensioning hanger system for use in a wellhead.

BACKGROUND

In the oil drilling industry, a tubing hanger is used to suspend and seal a tubing string in a casing head or tubing head. Typically they are installed in the tubing head and run through the BOP (Blow Out Preventer).

In most cases, the BOP must be removed to lower the tubing hanger. Removing the BOP allows the tubing to be pulled into tension by removing a pup joint that is used to set anchor. Without this procedure, the tubing would be in neutral and the pumping action would wear tubing and rods.

To remove the pup joint the BOP's need to be removed, allowing the well to be exposed to environment. In cases, where there is a split hanger, the BOP can remain in place but must be removed while the tubing is lowered.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure presents a tool tensioning hanger system that can be lowered without removing the BOP. The disclosed system has three separate components: a top sub; a lower mandrel/inner joint and a j-housing. The use of three components allows the inner joint/lower mandrel to release from the j-housing and be lowered down through the BOP. Once at setting depth, a bottom hole anchor can be set and packed off. Then the inner joint can be pulled up and re-latched into the j-housing to put the tubing into tension. To function the release of the inner mandrel from the tubing hanger assembly, there would be a pup joint (short tubing joint) attached at top end of inner mandrel. A service rig would pick up on the pup joint and then release from the hanger, lower to setting depth, set anchor, and pull the tubing into tension. Once in tension, the pup joint would be removed

Being able to keep the BOP in place and operational with the disclosed tool tensioning hanger system makes the tubing installation much safer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are line drawings of a tool tensioning hanger system in hanging position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are line drawings of a tool tensioning hanger system in disconnected position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A to 3E are line drawings of a top sub for a tool tensioning hanger system in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A to 4E are line drawings of a J-housing for a tool tensioning hanger system in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 5A to 5C are a line drawings of an inner joint for a tool tensioning hanger system in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practiced. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

Referring to Figures, an embodiment of the disclosed tool tensioning hanger system will now be described. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The system is shown in perspective in FIG. 1A and a side view is shown in FIG. 1B. The system comprises three main components: a top sub 1; a lower mandrel or inner joint 2; and a J-housing 3. The top sub 1 is sized and shaped to fit into an upper bowl of a tubing head in a well-head. The J-housing 2 is connected to a lower end of the top sub. In one embodiment, an upper end of the J-housing fits into the top sub 1 with the top sub and J-housing 3 each have mating threads and are screwed together. In some embodiments a set screw 4 is used to hold the J-housing 3 in place. The J-housing 3 has two J-shaped slots that run lengthwise from a bottom end of the J-housing. The slots are positioned 180 degrees from each other. The inner joint 2 fits into the J-housing 3 and has two protruding pins that are positioned 180 degrees from each other and configured to fit into the J-shaped slots. The tool tensioning hanger system in one embodiment is made from 4140 L80 Steel. Typically, the tool would be made of the same material as the string for a wellhead. Other non-limiting examples of materials that could be used include 13 chrome and nickel coat 1-80 material.

To insert the inner joint 2 into the J-housing 3, the protruding pins are aligned with the J-shaped slots and the inner-joint 2 is pushed or pulled into the housing until the top of the j-shaped slots is reached. Then the inner joint 2 is then twisted until the pins slide into hooks at the end of the j-shaped slots. When the pins are in place in the hook portions of the j-shaped slots, the tool tensioning hanger system can securely hold tubing in place. This is the hanging position shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

To disconnect the inner joint 2 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the inner joint 3 is twisted and pulled (or pushed) so that the pins follow the J-shaped slots to the bottom end of the J-housing. Once disconnected from the J-housing 3, the inner joint 2 can be lowered down through the BOP. Once at setting depth, a bottom hole anchor can be set and packed off. Then, the inner joint can be pulled up using a removable pup joint and re-latched into the j-housing to put the tubing into tension.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A to 3E, one embodiment of the top sub will be described in more detail. FIG. 1A shows a perspective view, FIG. 1B shows a side view, FIG. 3C shows an end view, FIG. 3D shows a cross-section, FIG. 3E shows an enlarged view of a groove. The measurement of this embodiment are designed for a typical wellhead. Other sizes are possible. The top sub in this embodiment is 1 inch long with a top portion that is 0.891 inches long, a center portion that is 6.617 inches, and a bottom portion that is 2.492 inches long. The top portion has an exterior diameter of 5.234 inches and an inner bore diameter of 3.36 inches. The bottom portion has an outer diameter of 4.5 inches and an inner bore diameter of 3.766 inches. 1.5 inches of the lower portion is threaded to mate with J-housing. The center portion has an exterior diameter of 0.693 inches and in interior bore diameter of 3.766 inches for the bottom 1.071 inches and an inner diameter of 3.260 for the remainder. The embodiment shown is tapered at 45 degree angles on outer ends of the center portion which ensure that there are no tight surfaces to catch on other equipment. Embodiments without this angle are possible. The center portion has two grooves around the exterior. The first groove is 3.079 inches from the top end and the second groove is 4.679 inches from the bottom end. Each groove is 0.375 inches wide and 0.526 inches deep. The grooves provide a seal to isolate the wellhead from the bottom hole.

Referring now to FIG. 4A to 4E, one embodiment of the j-housing will be described in further detail. FIG. 4A shows a perspective view, FIG. 4B shows a side view, FIG. 4C shows a cross-section, FIG. 4D shows a side view demonstrating the angles for milling the housing, and FIG. 4E shows an end view. The j-housing in this embodiment is 10.43 inches long with a 4.5 inch outside diameter and a 3.6 inch inside diameter. The top 1.5 inches has an outside diameter of 4.0 inches with 1.15 inches being threaded to mate with the top sub. In the embodiment shown, the thread is 4.000-8 STUB ACME-SG left hand thread. Two j-shaped slot run from the bottom end and is sized to accommodate the protruding pins on the inner joint. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the bottom portion has two v-shaped cut-outs extending from the edge of the bottom portion toward the threaded end and with the j-shaped slots starting at the apex of the respective v's. The v-shaped cut outs aides in the re-entry of jay lugs into the hanger. Embodiments without the v-shaped cut outs are possible. The j-shaped slots are 180 apart and the v-shaped cut outs are also 180 degrees apart.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A to 5C, one embodiment of the inner joint will be described. FIG. 5A is a perspective view, FIG. 5B is a side view and FIG. 5C is a cross-section. The inner joint of the embodiment shown is 21.375 inches long with an outside diameter of 3.25 inches and an interior bore diameter of 2.375 inches. Two protruding pins extend from the exterior at 10.938 inches from the top end. Each pin protrudes 0.625 inches and has a diameter or 0.688 inches. The tool has end portions shown in black on the figures which are threaded so as to attach the tool to the tubing in a well. One end is threaded on the interior starting at 0.313 inches from that end to a depth of 2.063 inches. The other end is threaded on the exterior for 2.063 inches. The thread on both ends is 2-⅞ inches EUE (Early Upset End).

The dimensions shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are exemplary only. Other sizes are possible and the size of the tool depends on the casing and tubing size for the wellhead. For example, the inventor has produced systems with inner joints having 2⅜ inches EUE thread and 5⅛ inches EUE thread.

In use, the described tool tensioning hanger system can be lowered without removing the BOP. The use of three components allows the inner joint/lower mandrel to release from the j-housing and be lowered down through the BOP. Once at setting depth, a bottom hole anchor can be set and packed off. Then the inner joint can be pulled up and re-latched into the j-housing to put the tubing into tension. To function the release of the inner mandrel from the tubing hanger assembly, there would be a pup joint (short tubing joint) attached at top end of inner joint. A service rig would pick up on the pup joint and then release from the hanger, lower to setting depth, set anchor, and pull the tubing into tension. Once in tension, the pup joint would be removed.

What has been described above includes examples of the disclosed architecture. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and/or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the novel architecture is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. A tool tensioning hanger system comprising: a top sub sized and shaped to fit into an upper bowl of a tubing head in a well-head; a J-housing connected to a lower end of the top sub, the J-housing having two j-shaped slots that run lengthwise from a bottom end, each slot being 180 degrees from each other; and an inner joint configured to fit into the J-housing, the inner joint having two protruding pins 180 degrees from each other and configured to fit into the J-shaped slots.
 2. The tool tensioning hanger system of claim 1, wherein the j-shaped housing further comprises two v-shaped cut-outs at the bottom end, each v-shaped cut out having one of the two j-shaped slots starting at its apex.
 3. The tool tensioning hanger system of claim 1, wherein the top sub and J-housing mated in threaded engagement.
 4. The tool tensioning hanger system of claim 1, wherein the inner joint is threaded on the exterior on one end and threaded on the interior of the other end.
 5. The tool tensioning hanger system of claim 1 made from steel.
 6. The tool tensioning hanger system of claim 1 made from milled steel. 